S&W pre model 10 M&P .38 Special - and.....$?

[ISCS Yoda]

The full story is that I will be given an opportunity to purchase this pre-model 10 M&P .38 Special, 5" barrel, original box and paperwork and some kind of provost marshal document permitting the gun to be brought back into the USA from Germany. Apparently, it was purchased on an American Army base long, long ago.

No pictures yet.

I'm told that it is pristine and MAYBE unfired. That's not clear yet.

Comments solicited on value.

Danke shoen!

 

[Truckman]

Danke shoen!

Bitte!...

It was likely bought at one of the Rod & Gun Clubs in what was then West Germany...We had one at Spangdahlem AB where I was stationed...I never bought a gun there, but I sure bought a lot of beer on nickel beer nights!......Ben

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Originally posted by Truckman
It was likely bought at one of the Rod & Gun Clubs in what was then West Germany...

I agree. I remember the Rod and Gun Club in Patch Barracks outside of Vaihingen, in what was then just Germany in the 1990s.....

 

[Retired W4]

A little off track, but a friend of mine was with MACV in the early days then did a tour in Germany. He bought a Browning Superposed at a Rod & Gun Club that turned out to have "salt wood". Years later, with his original receipt and paper work he sent it back to Browning where it was completely refurbished. I sold it for him a couple years ago for $2300.

Best of luck with the M&P.

 

[larryofcc]

4-1948 5" M&P, # S991735, 98%+, in original #rd to the gun box, no tools, 4 years ago, I paid $699.99 shipped. Big Larry

 

[robertrwalsh]

You are talking about an extremely common weapon in probably-maybe in absolutely beautiful condition with box and paperwork. You COULD be talking about a $1,000 gun there. I wouldn't pay that for it because I shoot everything I own and I would hate to shoot that as it would greatly lessen it's value, again assuming it is as clean as you think it is. My opinion, for what that is worth to you.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Well, if it's common maybe I won't pay much for it. I finally got pictures - see what y'all think:

 

[.38SuperMan]

This is an early 1920's model I picked up at a local dealer a couple of years ago. Cosmetically it's pretty nice and mechanically sound. The nickel is factory with no peeling or issues. No provenance, box or papers. I paid $350.

 

[Muley Gil]

Post WW II .38 M&P. Not a pre Model 10, as it still has the long action.

What is the serial number?

 

[CajunBass]

I paid $650 on one from the early 50's with a 6" barrel, in pretty good condition, with the box, numbered to the gun, but no papers, a couple of months ago. I didn't think it had been fired often, if at all, but no one made any claims one way or the other about it.

It had originally been tagged at $750, but didn't move (I think the 6" barrel hurt it).

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Thanks, y'all! I'll get to handle that gun later this week and I'll follow up.

 

[DWalt]

Yes, an M&P from the early post-WWII period. A SN would allow more precise dating. That style of grip was used until the early 1950s. A bit early to be called a pre-Model 10. I'd say $500-550 is fair, as it appears to have some serious damage to the frame finish on both sides. I wouldn't personally be highly interested in it, except as a shooter.

 

[raljr1]

I agree with DWalt, my first reaction on seeing the pictures was $500 gun.

 

[YouveHadYour6]

Up my way this would be on a table marked at 750-950 and the reasonable sellers I know would prob go to 600, but 10s and their forerunners have really crept up here. Local classifieds occasionally I still see a .38 M&P for 500 or less, but very rarely with the box anymore. Best I've seen recently was a 64-3 LNIB for 600 which lasted about half an hour. *Oh, I don't see these much in shops but usually about 500-650 + tax, depending on condition. Don't remember when I last saw one of this era w/box in a shop here.

Boise local here - good luck with'er.

 

[chiefdave]

If it has a S prefix s/n it is post war and shipped no later than 1948. I have S997575 that shipped 5/1948.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Well, it's a cool revolver but they're asking $650 and I'm not that interested. However, FYI:

It does show holster wear on both sides. The gun is otherwise pristine and probably hardly ever shot, if at all.

The crane is marked 3 __ H
_________________64924

on top and that same number is repeated on the cylinder side of the crane without the 3 H

The back of the cylinder has the serial number 901514 and the base is marked S 901514.

The Provost Marshal's "permission" card is dated September 21, 1960.

Now y'all know what I know about this particular firearm. My FFL has it and I can give y'all contact information if anyone is interested.

 

[AC Man]

No offense but it looks pretty rough in my opinion. I bought a couple of 1926 pre model 10 in as new condition last year. One 4 inch and one 6 inch all original. paid about $700 each on Gunbroker. One of the few good deals I have made there because of as new condition. These guns were usually beat to death.

 

[reddog81]

I'd rather have a gun that was shot some and taken care of than a gun in that shape. $500 would be generous in that condition.

 

[JP@AK]

The back of the cylinder has the serial number 901514 and the base is marked S 901514.

S901514 is the complete serial number. I believe if you look closely, you will see the S on the cylinder as well, one hole away from the digits. The serial number will also be on the barrel flat and on the rear edge of the yoke.

S901514 very likely shipped in April or May, 1947. There were lots of 5" units in that serial range.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

You can't offend me, folks, it ain't my gun. I'm just reporting what I saw. The owner is looking for a buyer and I'm not it.